VANCOUVER, Wash. - Two runners representing the University of Rio Grande wrapped up their respective collegiate cross country careers on Saturday in the 2011 NAIA National Championship at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Matt Spencer (Pickerington, OH) finished 72nd among 312 runners in the men's division, completing the 8K course in a time of 25:30, while Cassie Mattia (West Chester, OH) was 112th among 323 participants in the women's division with a time of 19:33 on the 5K course.
Sophomore Kennedy Kithuka of Wayland Baptist (Texas) was the top individual in the men's bracket for the second straight year, crossing the finish line in a time of 23:15. Oklahoma Christian took the team title with four runners finishing in the top 30, while Cal-State San Marcos was second and defending national champion Southern Oregon was third.
Grand View (Iowa) senior Obsie Birru was the women's individual champion with a time of 17:15, while Cal-State San Marcos took its third straight team championship. Azusa Pacific (Calif.) grabbed second place and British Columbia finished third.
Rio Grande had a third runner qualify for the national competition, but junior Nick Wilson (Barlow, OH) elected not to participate.
Spencer, Mattia and Wilson all earned All-Mid South Conference honors.
| Rio Grande at | |
| NAIA Nationals | |
| Rio Grande at | |
| NAIA Nationals | |
